Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX

Reviewed by Anise Hollingshead
Published by Acclaim

Age Group: Age 8 and Up, Adults
Type: Arcade, More Fun
Price: $40

Description:

Join Dave Mirra and other famous trick BMX riders in this extreme sport simulation game. Players can start by learning all the moves in the freestyle mode, then move on to the proquest mode, which is the meat of the game. Here players have to meet certain challenges in order to advance in the game and earn more bikes, sponsors, cheats and outfits. A sessions mode is also available that will keep score, but players can't earn game items here.

Features:

  • 3 different modes of play
  • 10 well-known riders to choose from
  • Popular music
  • Keyboard or gamepad options
  • Music and sound effects can be turned on/off
  • Modify existing tricks
  • Earn bikes, cheats, and outfits by completing challenges

Technical Aspects:

Installation went well, but requires a large amount of hard drive space. The riders themselves look incredible, and the movement is very well-done. However, the backgrounds are blocky and in much less detail. No one ever dies here, even if you run head first into an obstacle or impale yourself on a fence, so be brave and try out all the tricks you want! Gameplay is easier to handle with a gamepad, but is possible with a keyboard as well if you don't have a gamepad. Game movement is very responsive, so it is recommended that you try the freestyle area first to get a good feel for the controls.

This game received an E rating for everyone, but the music may give some parents pause. The words are at times slightly profane, and the thoughts expressed are sometimes somber. For instance, the first song that plays each startup talks about getting up, lighting up a cigarette, and goes on to express the thought that you've not been shot at today. There's also a rude word in this song, as well. However, the music CAN be turned off.

Report and Conclusions:

This is an enjoyable racing/simulation game that lets users practice tricks they can't normally on their own. The tricks themselves aren't too difficult to master after several attempts, and mainly involve hitting lots of directional keys all at the same time to get as crazy as you can. It's amusing, too, to crash your rider as many times as possible and watch him walk away from certain death.

This game will probably appeal to teenage boys more than any other group. While this game is a lot of fun, it's also pretty narrow in its scope, so may be a title that is best enjoyed in short playing times now and then. It would also have been cool to have multi-player modes for friends to go head-to-head together, this would have extended the gameplay tremendously.

Again, as stated above, the music may offend some parents, but can easily be turned off. If you have a teen who's into stunts, bikes, or even just wants to try the tricks on the computer, this is a worthwhile title to get.




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